Engagement Ring Metals

Choosing a metal for your engagement requires considering the metals colour, durability, and your own preferences. The main types of metals used for engagement rings are gold, platinum, titanium, tungsten and silver. A ring can't be formed without metal, making your choice of metal crucial as it makes up around 50 - 75% of your entire rings design. You might be left with questions like what is the best metal, what is the best metal for an engagement ring worn every day, and what Engagement Ring Metals Tarnish.

What are the Types of Metals Used for Engagement Rings?

There are many different types of metals that can be used for engagement rings. Below are the main metals used for engagement rings:

• Gold
• Platinum
• Titanium
• Tungsten
• Silver

1. Gold

Gold is a chemical element found in nature that doesn’t tarnish or corrode, making it the most common metal for jewellery. Gold is the most popular metal for engagement rings and wedding rings. This metal can come in 3 colours: White (the most popular), Yellow, and Rose Gold. The metal's durability is dependent upon the gold’s purity, otherwise known as karat. Gold comes in between 9k - 24k for jewellery; however, the more pure gold, the more malleable and expensive. 9k (35% pure gold), 14k (58.5% pure gold), and 18k (75% pure gold) are the most popular karat options for gold engagement rings. Regardless of the colour, this metal has quite a shine to it, which will dim over time, and might require replating or redipping.

2. Platinum

Platinum is another popular white metal option for engagement rings and is more durable than gold. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, durability, and white colour, platinum is a very popular option when it comes to engagement rings and wedding rings. Platinum is more expensive than all gold options and it can become quite dull over time, requiring rhodium plating every 12 - 18 months depending on the wear and tear of the ring.

3. Titanium

Titanium is another silvery white metal popular in men’s engagement rings and jewellery. Known for being lightweight, durable, and scratch-resistant, titanium is not a very dense metal. Pure titanium doesn’t corrode or rust, but most titanium engagement rings and jewellery aren’t made with pure titanium. This metal is great for those who live a more vigorous day-to-day life, as it can withstand knocks, bumps, and scratches. It’s important to get your titanium ring right the first time, as most jewellers struggle to work with it, and it can’t be resized.

4. Tungsten

Tungsten is another superb cost-effective white metal option when choosing your metal for an engagement ring. It’s incredibly durable, tough, and doesn’t tarnish, making tungsten a great choice for those who are clumsy, have an active lifestyle, and intense day-to-day activities. A tungsten engagement ring requires very minimal maintenance. However, the metal's toughness is partly a disadvantage as tungsten rings can’t be resized, and its toughness means it’s more brittle, prone to breaking or cracking if smashed or dropped against hard surfaces.

5. Silver

Silver is another less common metal option for engagement rings, similar to white gold in colour. 925 silver, otherwise known as sterling silver, is what is used for engagement rings, and it contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other alloys (copper, aluminium). This metal is extremely affordable but is less durable than most other metals (Gold, Platinum, Titanium, etc.). Silver engagement rings do require substantial maintenance because they tarnish and are prone to scratching, bumps, and deformation. Silver is a good option for those looking for a very cheap option or a placeholder/temporary engagement ring that won’t be worn for the rest of your life.

6. Other Metals

There are many other metals like palladium, ceramic, cobalt, black zirconium, and many more. When considering any metals for your engagement ring, it’s crucial to consider its colour, durability, and how it impacts the other elements of your engagement ring.

What is the best metal for an Engagement Ring?

The best metal for an engagement ring will ultimately depend upon three main considerations; durability, appearance and budget. The first is the durability of the metal, considering engagement rings are worn every day and will experience wear and tear throughout the years. A durable metal will ensure the security of your ring and ensure gemstones aren’t lost. Secondly, the metal's appearance is another important consideration. A white, yellow, or rose metal all add different elements to the design of your engagement ring in combination with the style and centre stone of your engagement ring. Thirdly, your budget is a key consideration when choosing the metal for your engagement ring. Metals can be quite expensive, and the metal's rarity and popularity will affect its value.

Gold is one of the best metal choices for your engagement ring because of its versatility in colour (white, yellow, and rose) and its different karat options (9k, 14k, and 18k). Gold is durable, can help accommodate budgets, and has many different colours, making it our recommendation for your engagement ring. The best metal for a woman’s engagement ring does come down to preference, but gold and platinum are the two most commonly used metals. The best metal for a man’s engagement ring will depend on their day-to-day activities, but men typically choose white metals like titanium, tungsten, white gold, and platinum.

What is the Best Metal for an Engagement Ring Worn Every Day?

The best metals for an engagement ring worn every day are durable metals like gold, platinum, and titanium. A metal's durability is the most important when you’re looking at the ring from the perspective of wearing it everyday. This is especially important if your occupation is labour-intensive or involves chemicals on a regular basis. These activities can cause more damage to your ring, making it have more scratches and blemishes.

In certain instances, it might be a good idea to take off your ring to preserve its structural integrity and to maintain the metal and gemstones in your rings. Damage and wear and tear to your engagement ring are inevitable; as a result, your ring and your ring's metal requires maintenance. Polishing, replating, prong inspection, and other forms of jewellery maintenance should be done every 2 - 3 years, depending upon wear and tear.

What Engagement Ring Metals Tarnish?

Gold, silver, titanium, and tungsten are all engagement ring metals that tarnish. These elements in their purest forms do not tarnish, but when they are mixed with other alloys to create the metals used in jewellery, they can rust or tarnish.